Web Video Conferencing

The spectacular developments in communication technologies of recent decades have transformed how we do business. Manufacturers, retailers and service providers now have channels through which to access markets across the globe, while those with expertise and knowledge have potential employers anywhere there is internet access. All kinds of enterprises are increasingly spread over a variety of geographic locations. For all the benefits such factors may render in terms of competitiveness, innovation and reach, the smooth running of operations depends on a steady flow of information. Video conferencing is among the most reliable means whereby this can be achieved.

Effectively allowing for face-to-face communication, video conferencing overcomes the liabilities and limitations of written or audio communication, in which the possibility of misunderstandings are significantly higher, and hence also saves the time and inefficiency such miscommunication leads to. The possibility for large numbers of people to take part in video conferencing similarly makes communication and discussion significantly more efficient and dependable.

PCMag has reviewed many web video conferencing services aiming to cater to your business needs to give you a detailed view of each. Operating system compatibility is a fundamental factor to take into account, as are access options and price plans. Our reviews cover what you need to know, answering any questions you may have – and possibly a few that hadn’t occurred to you. The no-nonsense summaries give you all the information you need, while our user reviews can help you understand how other businesses like yours have used the software we’ve reviewed.

Bottom Line ClickMeeting offers audio and videoconferencing on virtually any desktop platform as well as full desktop sharing and apps for mobile users. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office, YouTube, Google Calendar, iCal, and Facebook. It’s best suited to small businesses, although subscription plans do exist for companies with up to 1,000 users.

Bottom Line Join.me is an online meeting service available in free, Pro, and Enterprise editions. Featuring simple log-in and meeting presentation capabilities, join.me doesn’t require any downloads or software installation, and participants can access the service using all popular browsers and mobile devices.

Bottom Line GoToMeeting is a screen-sharing, videoconferencing service that business can use to host online meetings, give remote presentations, collaborate on projects, provide online training, troubleshoot remote systems, or otherwise communicate with others using audio and video.

Bottom Line Cisco WebEx Meeting Center is a web-based videoconferencing and screen-sharing service that enables users to collaborate with others using a variety of technologies and offers real-time solutions for businesses, including the ability to have up to seven video feeds, record meetings, and incorporate apps for smartphones.

Bottom Line VoIP service eVoice caters to small businesses, providing essential phone services like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email or text, toll-free numbers, and call routing to help smaller businesses and even one-person shops manage phone calls like a big corporation.

Connect with coworkers as easily as you connect with friends and family.

Bottom Line Microsoft has combined the popular video calling application, Skype, with their business communication tool, Lync, to create Skype for Business. The result is a wealth of audio and videoconference functions in a familiar user interface that also integrate smoothly with your Microsoft Office suite of business applications.

Set up and manage cloud-based meetings that require no special software to join.

Bottom Line Onstream Meetings allows you to create and manage online meetings without requiring attendees to use specialized hardware or install software ahead of time. Supporting both desktop and mobile users, Onstream Meetings provides advanced features like session recording and document sharing.

Audio conferencing and collaboration tools for connecting up to 1,000 callers.

Bottom Line StartMeeting is a collaboration and communications solution tailored to a wide range of businesses looking for reliable, cost-effective audio and web conferencing, including screen sharing and both landline and voice over IP support.

Teleconferencing and web conferencing services, from basic to operator-assisted.

Bottom Line InterCall is a leading conference services provider that offers simple to more complete telephone and web conferencing options, including audio-only conference calls and visual online meetings with slides, videos, and other media. With a high degree of uptime, InterCall is a global conferencing solution with easy scheduling and operator support.

Fuze is a cloud-based communications solution that can be used by businesses for voice communication, teleconferencing, and call center capabilities.

Bottom Line Fuze is a suite of communications products that unifies voice communication, teleconferencing, and contact center capabilities, while providing you with detailed analytics and business intelligence. The software serves to replace typical private branch exchange (PBX) systems, while offering a variety of additional features that work in tandem with your phone system, such as video conferencing and intelligent call routing. Fuze can also be integrated with numerous third-party applications that are commonly used by businesses, allowing for seamless information exchanges between applications.

Google Hangouts is a service that provides users with a simple way to communicate using instant messages, text messages, voice calls, and video conferencing.

Bottom Line Google Hangouts is a communications solution that allows anyone with a Google account to easily communicate with others in a variety of ways. Google Hangouts features support for instant messages and group chats, voice and video calls, and text messages, and can be connected directly to a Google Voice phone number for easy communication. During conversations with other people, users can share their screens, send emoji, draw on a virtual whiteboard, and utilize other features that are intended to provide stronger levels of communication.

LiveConf is video conferencing solution that allows users to easily communicate with one another through high-definition audio and video connections.

Bottom Line LiveConf is a video conferencing solution that can be used for high-definition audio and video communications, allowing for private one-on-one conversations as well as larger group chats. The software offers a variety of features that can be used for group collaboration, including screen sharing capabilities, a virtual whiteboard that can be drawn on by any conference participant, and co-annotations. Additionally, LiveConf features extensive interoperability, meaning it can be used on nearly any computer, from most major mobile devices, and in connection with a large variety of commonly used browsers, applications, and virtual meeting room systems.

AnyMeeting Meeting Pro is a web conferencing solution that offers a variety of features that can be used to enhance communication and collaboration.

Bottom Line AnyMeeting Meeting Pro is audio and video conferencing software that can be utilized for meetings of up to 30 people, offering a plethora of features that can enhance communication and collaboration. The software allows you to share your screen, as well as other information including uploaded presentations and files, record meetings, and take meeting notes that can be distributed to the meeting’s participants. With a customizable interface, AnyMeeting Meeting Pro can meet your company’s stylistic branding needs, while continuing to provide a high quality web conferencing experience.

BlueJeans is video communications program that can be used for video conferencing, with additional features to enhance the experience.

Bottom Line BlueJeans is a video communications solution with universal interoperability that is used for high definition video conferencing and video sharing for up to 100 people. BlueJeans aims to ensure that it can be used by as many individuals as possible, which is why it can be accessed using computers, mobile devices, room systems, and public switched telephone network (PSTN) systems. Additionally, BlueJeans offers a variety of accessibility options for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone within a company can interact through video conferencing.